Centering Prayer is an ancient practice of corralling our scattered and restless thoughts, allowing them to rest for a bit, and then allowing the heart and mind to rest in the loving presence of God. Stillness does not come easily to us. It takes practice. Practice. Practice. Fortunately, that is all it takes. No gimmicks. No special attachments. You don’t even need to download an app. You just need yourself, and a space apart. Here are the very simple steps to follow:
Sit upright in a centered and balanced posture
Use a short phrase of your own choice, perhaps from the scripture reading that is provided for each lesson, or a phrase that speaks your heart’s desire to deepen in the Way of Jesus, e.g., “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Or it can be a simpler phrase or single word, such as “Love,” “Peace,” “Love is all,” “God is love,” “Holy, holy, holy.”
With each in-breath, silently say the first half of the phrase, and the second half on the out-breath.
Repeat this for several minutes, slowly, gently.
Sit in silence at the end, simply listening.
Centering Prayer forms the basis of all the Spiritual Life Practices inJP21and the JP21 Via Vida. It is the crucible in which we will bring the broken, bruised, battered, belittled, and berated pieces of our lives to be reformed, transformed, and conformed to the Divine Image which is our truest and deepest Self. This prayer will work to expand our consciousness into the Bigger Mind, Bigger Heart, Bigger World, and Bigger Life that is the Path of Jesus for the 21st Century.
Practice this prayer daily, and experience the slow, steady changes God wishes to work in your heart, mind, and life as you learn to listen at the deepest places within you.
Here are links to other websites describing and explaining Centering Prayer: